PETER LOVENKRANDS would relish the opportunity to bring Newcastle United’s barren run to an end.

The Danish international only had a bit-part role in the FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle, but is now pushing for a place in United’s starting line-up.

And while the postponement of the Reading game tomorrow means Lovenkrands will have to be patient for a bit longer, he is hoping to get the nod from Chris Hughton for a place in the starting line-up soon.

The hunt for a new centre-forward was going on for Hughton today, with a clutch of clubs now hoping to prise Jermaine Beckford away from Leeds United in what has now turned into a bidding war for the 26-year-old.

Lovenkrands, however, is looking to quietly get on with his business and prove that a remedy for United’s goal drought of recent games can be found closer to home.

The Ex-Rangers ace’s season did not start until September after he arrived on Tyneside as a free agent, then a private family matter also hindered his first-team chances.

Having regained his full match fitness, Lovenkrands kicked off his campaign in style with goals against Swansea City and Watford.

Now he is keen to add to that scoring tally. He told the Chronicle: “It would be nice to be involved – hopefully we can gain the win we need to end this run of draws.

“Striker is my favourite position and that is where I will be aiming to make an impact.”

United last tasted defeat against Scunthorpe in October and, while performance levels have dipped slightly in the last few games, they are still unbeaten since then.

Lovenkrands added: “It is all about showing the resilience again and digging in.

“We have done that all the way through this run and it has been great to see. Hopefully we can keep it going and extend our good run a bit longer.”

While United’s performance at Plymouth was unspectacular, Lovenkrands feels there is plenty to build on.

He said: “I think with the way the pitch was at Home Park, it was a good result. It was not playable in some parts at all.

“We should have probably won the match with some of the chances we had, but we will look forward to coming back to St James’ Park for the replay and making good use of our own pitch.

“We dug in and defensively we stood up to the job well, which is what we will be looking to take into the next game.

“We did not allow them to have any big chances in front of goal and that is a good habit.

“Overall, it was a good performance, but we just did not manage to find the goal we needed.”